kanicki37

I have a 96. Cherokee sport that is modified to RHD(former mail carrier) . It’s had been parked for almost a year with out being touched and I’m trying to get a job as a mail carrier again. Of course batter was dead but charged battery and tried to start it up, but it would crank but not start. I looked around on internet for info and ended up changing camshaft sensor, and crankshaft sensor and got a new battery,. Well, when I went to crank it up it still didn’t start so I went to look under hood to see if I missed any connectors I could smell something 🔥 burning. It was the steering column on fire! Freaking out, I hurry up and disconnected the battery and put the fire out. Pulled the ignition assembly out and it looks like the illumination and chime connector wire is what was on fire. HELP PLEASE

wingless

Welcome to the forum.

My experience is that electrical issues require a systematic approach for resolution, starting with the correct Factory Service Manual (FSM), which includes the wiring diagram and component locations diagrams.

In this instance the problem is compounded by the damage caused by the cable assemblies and components overheating. It is likely that damaged parts will need to be identified and replaced w/ appropriate used parts.

BlueRidgeMark

Yep. That's a big job. A lot of tedious work.


Got pics? I've never seen a ZJ in RHD before.

kanicki37

Thanks Sorry about the “Please Help”,,. I’m new here and this was my first post. I Found this forum and thought I could get additional help since I have been using YouTube and google. I will post pics tomorrow of the conversion kit and the fire damaged wire and part. I’m wondering if I can just not connect the illumination and chime connector wire.

kanicki37

Thanks for the reply. I did get the replacement parts. I’m wondering since it seems the source is the illumination and chime connector wire is/was the issue If I can just not connect that wire and see what happens. 🧐🤔

wingless

The OP might be in the wrong forum.

The signature says Grand Cherokee (ZJ), but the OP says Cherokee Sport. That sounds like an XJ Cherokee.

BlueRidgeMark

Yep. That's why I asked for pics.